what is epidermis

The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin in humans and animals. It is made up of one or more layers of cells that form a tough and protective outer layer of the skin or integument. The epidermis is responsible for protecting the body from the environment, regulating water loss, and producing new skin cells. In humans, the epidermis is composed of five layers: the stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum, and stratum corneum. The stratum basale is the deepest layer of the epidermis, where new skin cells develop. The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis, made up of continually shedding, dead keratinocytes. The epidermis also contains melanocytes, which produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color.